Manchester 10K

Well, James Russell Photography’s marketing director, the missus, Paula Radcliffe’s replacement, or whatever you want to call her, was running in her 4th ever Great Manchester Run on 15 May 2011 for Parkinson’s UK.

As ever, she had last minute nerves when she suggested we veer off to Parrswood Cineworld instead, but I drove on in and deposited her at the start line (along with 37 999,999) other runners.

As for me, I’d opted for the photographic option and was capturing the action for East Cheshire Hospice and Team Arighi.

Lindsey completed the course in 1hr 50secs – she was slightly gutted to be just over the hour, when last year was 58.07 but still a great effort - I’ve told her to try harder next year!!

She looks pretty happy here – it was near the start!

Haile Gebrselassie was slightly in front of her…

Lindsey would like to say a big thank you to all her sponsors for helping her raise over £200 for Parkinson’s UK.

The charity village was a riot of colour, massage tables, bananas, chocolate and other goodies to reward those weary bodies. Samia Smith, who plays Maria in Corrie, was one of the celebrity runners taking part and is one of the East Cheshire Hospice's patrons. It was firmly decided the ECH stand had THE best muffins courtesy of the café at Arighi Bianchi’s!

It’s certainly an amazing sight seeing the city jam-packed full of runners and particularly moving seeing so many different charities represented, all of which have a special significance for those running. I know Lindsey gets an incredible buzz from participating, almost enough to make me want to join her next year…

So if you’re tempted to get your running shoes on, entry has already opened for the BUPA Great Manchester Run 2012 – see you there…(with camera or my trainers!)